More than half of Britains cats and dogs are overweight
because owners give them too much food, a veterinary charity
has claimed. Many have difficulties breathing and suffer from
diabetes and joint and heart problems, according to the Peoples
Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA).

The pampered animals are also fed too many sugary snacks, making
them susceptible to gum disease that can lead to serious heart
and kidney problems. Combined with a generally poor diet and
lack of exercise, the number of obese animals has risen dramatically
in recent years.
The charity, which runs 45 pet hospitals, last week launched
a campaign to encourage owners to be more aware of their pets
state of health and their diets.

The PDSAs own vets claimed that there has been a 10 per
cent increase in pet obesity over the past 10 years.

Vets are treating more animals with weight-related problems
such as breathing difficulties, joint and heart problems and
diabetes.

Elaine Pendlebury, Senior PDSA vet said: Our statistics
show that we are killing our pets with kindness or just laziness
by denying them a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Four out of five dogs over six years old have gum disease that
can lead to serious heart and kidney problems.

Jonathan Gravestock, senior veterinary surgeon at the PDSA PetAid
hospital in Brighton said: As well as avoiding sugary
snacks, owners should encourage their dogs to chew as they would
in the wild.

Dogs teeth were made to crunch, tear and chew. Although
todays soft processed pet food is nutritionally good for
dogs, it lacks any rough content.

The PDSA is keen to help pet owners care properly for their
pets. A mobile clinic is to tour Britain offering advice for
all pets and health check ups for dogs in an effort to reduce
preventable illness.